Elastic Tab Attachment for Rolling Shutter Support Flanges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building closure systems, such as rolling shutters, face challenges in attaching support flanges to fixing lugs due to irreversible interlocking mechanisms, which restrict vertical clearance and complicate installation, requiring pre-fitting of the entire mechanism before mounting into a door or window frame.
Innovation Solution
A device with hooking means and elastic return locking mechanisms allows the support flange to be easily attached perpendicular to the deployment plane of the apron, providing multiple attachment positions and facilitating detachment for easier maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If irreversible interlocking mechanisms are used to attach support flanges to fixing lugs, then the attachment is secure and reliable, but the installation becomes complex and requires pre-fitting of the entire mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate components: the fixing lug remains fixed in the guide rail, while the support flange with its tab can be independently attached and detached. This segmentation allows simplified installation where only the support flange needs to be mounted later, rather than pre-assembling the entire mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the static, irreversible interlocking mechanism into a dynamic, reversible attachment system. The elastic tab with hooking means can be flexibly engaged and disengaged from the fixing lug, allowing the support flange to be attached after the guide rail is installed in the frame.
2Reliability
If the entire mechanism is pre-fitted before mounting into the frame, then the attachment is secure, but the vertical clearance above the slides becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the fixing lug (fixed in guide rail) from the support flange (with removable tab), the system eliminates the need for pre-assembly above the frame. The support flange can be attached independently at the desired location without requiring vertical clearance during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing lug is pre-installed in the guide rail, but the support flange attachment is deferred until after the guide rail is mounted in the frame. This preliminary positioning of the fixing lug enables later attachment without requiring headroom during initial installation.
3Reliability
If screw or rivet connections are used to attach support flanges, then the attachment is secure, but the maintenance and detachment become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The static, permanent connections (screws or rivets) are replaced with a dynamic, reversible elastic tab mechanism. The support flange can be easily detached by deforming the elastic tab outward, allowing simple maintenance and replacement without tools or damage to components.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic tab can be repeatedly deformed and recovered, allowing the support flange to be detached and reattached multiple times. This enables easy maintenance and replacement of the support flange while maintaining a secure attachment during use.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables straightforward attachment of support flanges to fixing lugs even after the slides are installed, enhancing installation efficiency and allowing for easier maintenance by providing sufficient clearance and flexible attachment options.
Implementation Method 1
locking means, preferably with elastic return in the active position, which are provided to oppose, after hooking, the unhooking of the support flange with respect to said mounting bracket
Data Source
Figure 1~7
Figure 8~10
AI summary
The device has a coupling unit (6) associated with an attach tab (3) and cooperated with hollow complementary coupling units (8) by fixing a support plate (4) on the tab along direction perpendicular to a deployed plane of an apron of a deployable structure. The coupling unit (6) is in a form of a hanger (13) decoupled in a perpendicular wing (11). Locking units are defined by a spring element (17) associated to the attach tab.